I will, occasionally, put a property on BP.

But since he also likes to watch videos and movies, perhaps sending him video clips on REI occasionally would catch his interest.

You don't have to necessarily relocate (although I do recommend the occasional visit) but you do have to build a team of experts that you trust.

I am looking to start investing in real estate, specifically rental properties, with maybe the occasional wholesale, within the next couple of years, and would like to see how others got started so I kind of know what some real options are.

Petworth has the occasional one.

@Carlos AppezattoThe example of what to ask a prospective caller I gave was just a blanket example, you need to set your own criteria but the basic of pre screening applicants is " you just gave them the minimum" that you would even consider meeting with them to show the unit.The other posters have given good tips and I think one thing you could do is have someone "Shop" your realtor.. act like a prospective tenant to call or contact, and see how long it takes for a reply, how enthusiastic the person is to meet and show the unit.. and how quickly they can get an appointment.In the rental business we were shopped occasionally even by our own property owners, so we were prompt with calls, gave fair and equal treatment to applicants, and were good sellers of our units for the owners.. in fact their are businesses out there that hire people to shop apartments just for this purpose.

I have researched this and the worst I hear is that people forget to turn lights off and occasionally leave a door unlocked.

He also does not capture the occasional (dry) humor.

I do not plan on living there but, my wife and I do occasionally stay there when we are in the area. 

The strip between Hendersonville & Asheville is bloated.